U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined 29 of her colleagues in objecting to a report on food guidelines that advises Americans to decrease consumption of red meat. In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, the senators condemn the report’s conclusions, which ignore relevant scientific evidence on nutrition. Senator Fischer released the following statement regarding the report this afternoon:

“The recommendations in this report are misguided and if enacted, could have a devastating effect on Nebraska’s livestock industry. Any changes to our nation’s food policies must be based on sound science and outside experts. Our ranchers, and the millions of Americans they feed, could be harmed for generations by inaccurate and unfounded reports like this.”

Every five years, USDA and HHS review the dietary guidelines for American food nutrition policy. Last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee – whose members are appointed by HHS and USDA – submitted their report recommending that Americans eat less red meat and consume more fruits and vegetables. Their recommendations were based on environmental impact concerns, not science. HHS and USDA use this report as the foundation to develop standards for national nutrition policy, including the school lunch program.

The senators’ letter, led by Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), also requests an extension of the 45-day comment period to ensure stakeholders have enough time to review and comment on the report’s questionable findings.